Don't Miss: Famous Restaurants Along Route 66

May 14, 2013

Illinois - Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket

You'll find Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in the town of Willowbrook, just a few miles outside of Chicago. This famous fried chicken joint opened in the late 1930s as a gas station lunch counter before opening a larger shop on Route 66 in 1946. If you need some nourishment before setting off on your road trip, head up to the counter at Dell Rhea's and order a basket.

Missouri - Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

The Show-Me State contains 317 miles of Route 66 and a handful of famous eateries, including Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis. The rich vanilla custard – said to be the best in the state – is made from eggs, cream and honey and can be blended with dozens of ingredients. If you're passing through St. Louis during the holiday season, Ted Drewes is famous for its Christmas trees as well.

Kansas - 4 Women on the Route

With only 13 miles, Kansas has the smallest portion of Route 66 of any state it passes through. If you're looking for refreshment during those few short miles, pull in to the famous 4 Women on the Route in Galena. Housed in an old Kan-O-Tex service station, the eatery serves diner-style comfort food and excellent smoothies. Don't forget to snap a picture with Tow Tater, the inspiration behind the Cars character Tow Mater.

Oklahoma - Clanton's Cafe

The Clanton family has been serving food to hungry drivers passing through Vinita, Oklahoma since 1927, making Clanton's the oldest continually-owned family restaurant in the state. Come hungry, because the home-style menu is fit for big appetites, and their signature chicken fried steak is considered one of the best dishes anywhere on Route 66.

Texas - Midpoint Cafe & Gift Shop

When you drive into the town of Adrian, TX, you'll be exactly 1139 miles from both Chicago and Santa Monica, making it the midpoint of Route 66 and the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. Save room for a slice of Midpoint Cafe's Ugly Crust Pie after your burger ... they're made from an old family recipe.

New Mexico - Owl Cafe

As you drive down Route 66, you'll spend the most time in New Mexico, the state with 487 miles of the famous road. The food scene along Route 66 in this southwestern state is characterized by one dish: the green chile cheeseburger. Many restaurants claim the dish as their own, but Albuquerque's Owl Cafe certainly serves one of the tastiest.

New Mexico #2 - Bobcat Bite

Since you'll be spending so much Route 66 time in New Mexico, it only makes sense that you'd eat here twice. Santa Fe's Bobcat Bite is another cafe claiming to be the home of the green chile cheeseburger. While you might not get to the bottom of the story, you can at least try one here as well and determine who has the best burger on the Mother Road.

Arizona - Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In

When Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In opened in 1953, it was clear that owner Juan Delgadillo had quite the sense of humor. The backyard of the Seigman, Arizona restaurant is filled with kitschy memorabilia, and you'll still see Juan's old 1936 Chevrolet out front, decked out with paint, horns and even an artificial Christmas tree. Today, Juan's children run the shop and still serve some of the best milkshakes to be had along the road.

California - Bagdad Cafe

Prince Albert of Monaco once ate at the Bagdad Cafe in Newberry Springs, CA (he ordered a grilled cheese sandwich) and was one of many celebrity guests of this famous Route 66 cafe. The modest diner is no stranger to the silver screen either; it's been featured in the 1988 film and 1990 series of the same name. Many of the menu items are named after characters.

California - Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe

You've done it! Santa Monica marks the end point of Route 66, and you can celebrate your epic journey with some food and festivities on Santa Monica Pier. One of the most iconic restaurants on the boardwalk is Big Dean's Oceanfront Cafe, where celebrities like George C. Scott, Evel Knievel and Arnold Schwarzenegger eat alongside beach-loving tourists.

Lydia, photo editor and Readers' Choice Production Manager for USA TODAY 10Best, has traveled to more than 30 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America, and has lived in Albuquerque, Galveston, Austin, Thailand, Korea, China, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and now Spain. When she's not at her computer in a cafe, she's out photographing the city, writing fiction or cheering on Barça.